A top camping sleeping pad will ensure that your hiking travel trip will be a success. Here are some camping tips.Sleeping pad: There are three types of sleeping pads—self-inflating, air and closed-cell foam. When car camping, weight is not an issue, so you can enjoy a thicker, wider pad or mattress for comfort. When backpacking, weight is crucial, so a super-lightweight air pad or closed-cell pad may be your optimal choice. Pillows: Bring one from home or use a small foam or inflatable camp pillow. Some sleeping bags have a pocket to hold a pillow or folded up clothing, such as a down jacket or fleece sweater.

If you get peckish, eat a small snack before bed of nuts or cherries. These are easy to pack, don’t require refrigeration, and best of all – are shown to promote sleep. While you’re at it, avoid alcohol and caffeine after the late afternoon, too. Many campers like to bring along their favorite adult beverage in a trusty flask. Save this for daytime sipping only. While alcohol initially makes you drowsy, it interferes with your sleep during the latter half of the night.

These are filled with some foam which expands when you open the valve and spread the pad, and it sucks the air in. You may blow some air in if you want. The outside shell is usually waterproof. The Therm-a-Rest model given in the picture above is one of them. An open-cell foam structure is similar to a bath sponge. So you have the gas pockets which are connected with each other. They are self-inflating due to memory effect of the foam. These pads are popular among backpackers and campers. They come in a large variety of weight (and thickness and price), but they are usually more lightweight than the air pads.

The most durable option is a closed cell or foam pad. They require no inflation but you’ll be exchanging comfort for durability, as you don’t have much ability to change a closed cell pad’s firmness. They take up more space than the other two options but can be strapped to the outside of your pack without worry because punctures won’t hurt the performance of a foam pad. Overall, closed cell or foam pads are generally the least comfortable option and are the middle of the road in terms of warmth, but are typically the least expensive option and the lightest.

Top quality camping sleeping pads: We recommend this one, TFO Air Camping Sleeping Pad 1lb Ultralight, Upgraded 40D Tear-Resistant Nylon, Textured Inflatable Camping Mat with Compact Carrying Bag for Backpacking/Hiking/Car. Read more details at Air Camping Sleeping Pad on Amazon. 1lb ULTRALIGHT CAMPING PAD & COMPACT CARRYING BAG The camping pad is 75″ X 23″ X 2″, which can satisfy your desire to enjoy a good night’s sleep in the wild. The super tiny packed size (10″ * 4″) is almost half the size of standard camp sleeping pads and perfect for fitting into a backpack in your funny hiking trip.